The NHL Trade Deadline is tomorrow at 3pm and it’s already been a crazy weekend. There have been some pretty substantial moves by a few teams, and there is a ton of life left in the rumor world.
FORWARDS
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Patrick Sharp – Chicago Blackhawks: Let’s just get this one out of the way. There are conflicting reports about whether or not Sharp is being shopped by the Chicago Blackhawks, and that the Washington Capitals are the front-runners. It doesn’t make sense for the Hawks to trade Sharp now that Kane is out for 12 weeks, however, there are rumors of major internal problems (think Lindros and Brind’Amour in the 90’s) and some divided parties in the Hawks locker room. If the conflict is true, then the problem must be removed, which is why this Sharp rumor won’t die just yet. If the Caps want him, it’ll probably take Troy Brouwer or Joel Ward. The Red Wings are also intrigued.
Curtis Glencross – Calgary Flames: Glencross will be moved before the NHL Trade Deadline, but it’s not a definite anymore that it will be Washington or Chicago. The Penguins, of course, are involved now as are the Predators. The Flames want a D-man in return.
Mats Zuccarello – New York Rangers: Zuc and the Rangers are at an impasse in the contract department, so now he’s being shopped. The Coyotes were involved, but that had more to do with the Rangers wanting Antoine Vermette. The Rangers are still looking at Keith Yandle though. The Stars and Maple Leafs would make sense too, as they are almost fire-saling their teams. Erik Cole from the Stars could be a target.
Chris Stewart – Buffalo Sabres: The Boston Bruins will be the most likely destination for Stewart and he’ll fit in nicely there. The Penguins are also kicking tires. The Caps could be involved and might be able to offer a little more in regards to prospects, but chances are they have moved on.
Joffrey Lupul – Toronto Maple Leafs: Lupul will most likely be another Leaf casualty as they continue to sell off players. The Caps have been linked, but there hasn’t been much wind in that sail. The Bruins and Lightning have also been rumored to be interested. His injury history is an issue and teams are probably looking at other options before going back to Lupul – His contract is pretty brutal.
Nazem Kadri – Toronto Maple Leafs: Kadri hasn’t turned out quite like the Leafs have hoped for, then again, it’s Toronto and all their expectations are too high. Vancouver likes him very much though. Could happen at the draft.
Erik Cole – Dallas Stars: The Stars have all but given up playoff hopes and they are looking to ship some players out. Cole has been linked to Washington, Nashville and the Islanders. The Penguins could be interested.
Cam Atkinson – Columbus Blue Jackets: The Bruins are very interested, but there is a chance he signs an extension with the Blue Jackets.
Jordan Eberle – Edmonton Oilers: Haven’t heard much more regarding Eberle, except that the Bruins (surprise) would love to add him. Montreal is also very interested if Eberle is still available.
Martin Erat – Arizona Coyotes: Who cares right? However, the Senators are interested.
DEFENSEMAN
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Michael Del Zotto – Philadelphia Flyers: If the Flyers still think they can make the playoffs, he’s not going anywhere. The Lightning and Sharks have been interested.
Marek Zidlicky – New Jersey Devils: The Devils are trying to clean house before the NHL Trade Deadline and Zidlicky will most likely be traded. The Islanders and Bruins could be landing spots. The Red Wings could be a possibility.
Keith Yandle – Arizona Coyotes: The Rangers are the ones to watch here. The Kings are out now that they landed Sekera. The Red Wings are always interested.
Mike Green – Washington Capitals: Unless he’s part of a package to bring Sharp or another big time scoring winger to Washington, he’s staying. However, I can’t see him playing well with newly acquired Tim Gleason. We’ll see…
Jeff Petry – Edmonton Oilers: The Blackhawks are out on this now that they have Timonen. The Lightning and Red Wings are still involved.
GOALTENDERS
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Jonathan Bernier – Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs have just made him available. Should be interesting.
Michal Neuvirth – Buffalo Sabres: Neuvirth has been playing well lately considering he’s lost almost every game for the lowly Sabres. However, he’s proving to be very reliable and the Predators would be a great fit. The Rangers are also interested.
I’ll do my best to have more when they come in. Check back for updates! Follow the action at @_Mellin_ and @TheSportsColumn.
